MUMBAI: Residents of tiny hill station Matheran will soon be able to get hi-speed internet connectivity over broadband as Central Railway (CR) has undertaken ambitious work of laying optical fibre cable (OFC) with an aim establish superior communication network with station officials along the 21 km long corridor.
Central Railway’s chief public relations officer Shivaji Sutar said, “A new communication gateway has been opened in the Neral-Matheran section of Mumbai division with the inauguration of Optic Fibre Link between NeraL and Jumapatti. In few months, the gateway will be extended up to Matheran section.”
The total cost of laying of cable in Phase I was Rs.4.02 crores. This OFC can also serve for setting up Wi-fi facility and internet connection in the entire section.
He said, “ As mobile network availability is also negligible on this section, provision of OFC and communication facilities over it will resolve all these long pending communication requirements.”
The 21 km long toy trail route also witnesses major and minor disasters. IT will become quicker to seek and provided help during distress once communication network is reliable.
Once the cable is laid, Railtel will be able to tie-up with local services providers to ensure broad-band connectivity with hi-speed to local residents and commercial establishments.
Matheran resident Santosh Jadhav said, “At present there is internet network provided by BSNL but the connection is erratic. Reliable network connectivity will help us in many ways, including online education and also help attract more tourists as Work from Home is going to become normal.”
A hotelier said, “Internet connection has become as basic as water. We will ensure that good service provided ties-up with railways to ensure glitch-free network.”